Regular Check-ups Are Important for Contact Lens Use

Many studies are being conducted on whether long-term use of contact lenses has any harmful effects. According to a study conducted on patients who have worn contact lenses for five years or longer, Anadolu Health Center Ophthalmology Specialist Op. Dr. Yusuf Avni Yılmaz stated that corneal thickness and anterior corneal curvature can be observed. He explained, “With the decrease in the use of rigid lenses and the increase in manufacturing technology for soft lenses, higher oxygen-permeable lenses are now being used. Although these lenses reduce the negative impact on the corneal surface, they do not eliminate it completely. Therefore, periodic examinations for patients using lenses are very important.” Op. Dr. Yusuf Avni Yılmaz provided important information on this topic...

Be Cautious of Long-term Contact Lens Use

A study published in the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that most of the cases were patients using soft contact lenses, while a smaller portion consisted of patients using rigid gas-permeable lenses. The examination revealed that the corneas of contact lens users measured between 30-50 microns thinner, and their corneal steepness was found to be steeper compared to the control group. No relationship was established between the changes in corneal thickness and curvature and the patients' refractive errors. In particular, the thinning of the cornea was significantly more pronounced in users of rigid lenses compared to those using soft lenses.

Many Factors Can Cause Changes in the Cornea

Although the exact cause of changes in the cornea is not definitively known, it is believed that many factors can contribute to it. These include decreased oxygen levels in the cornea, biochemical changes due to oxygen deficiency, mechanical trauma from rigid lenses, changes in tear film thickness, and a reduction in the number of cells constituting the cornea. While these changes are primarily observed in the epithelium, which is the outermost layer, they have also been noted in the middle layer responsible for the cornea's thickness and durability

Contact Lens Use Varies from Person to Person and Over Time

In addition to the changes in corneal thickness, the stiffening observed in the cornea is attributed to the thinning occurring within it. One of the most frequently asked questions by contact lens users is, "Has the lens affected my eyes, how much longer can I wear lenses, or can I undergo laser surgery?" Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to these questions. The answers may vary from person to person and may also change over time.

Periodic Examinations Are Important

Periodic examinations are especially important for those who have been using contact lenses for extended periods. Choosing the appropriate lens, replacing current lenses with more suitable ones if negative effects are observed, or taking a break from lens use are crucial steps. Patients wishing to undergo refractive surgery (laser surgery) should also have eye examinations to detect potential changes in their corneas due to lens use before deciding on surgery, and if necessary, take a break from using lenses for a while.

Last Updated Date: 21 February 2024

Publication Date: 21 February 2024

MD. Surgeon Yusuf Yılmaz

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